of (e.g., a study of population growth, a study of drinking habits, a study of the reproductive system)

on (e.g., a study on the effect of alcohol on fetal development, a study on the economic impact of new labor practices)

Usage note

We see above that the word “do” is frequently used with the word “study.” “Do a study” is more common in spoken and non-academic written language than in formal academic language. In formal academic language, the verbs ”conduct” or “carry out” are more common. Similarly, the verb “show” (e.g., These studies show that there is benefit from the use of medicinal herbs) is much less common in written academic language than in spoken language or in the language of the popular media. The meaning of “show” is somewhat strong in meaning, being similar to the meaning of “prove.” It is most often avoided in careful academic prose where words such as “suggest,” ” demonstrate,” and “indicate” are preferred. Even these words are often qualified with words like “may” or “seem” (e.g., This study seems to indicate that conditions are improving in the region.)